Title: In1 Workers' Compensation Settlement/MV

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the settlement of the Workers' Compensation claim of MV, 132973, for $145,000 representing compensation, attorneys' fees and costs and authorize the execution of all related documents.  This settlement will finalize all outstanding issues.

Description:

The Settlement of this claim was recommended by the District's outside counsel and claim adjusters and has been approved by the Chief Counsel, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Employee Benefits and Risk Management as required by District Policy #6.09.

A 55-year-old Food Service Worker  (MV, 132973) sustained multiple injuries in 2001 and 2002  when she tripped and fell on two different occasions and also was injured on her way to therapy in a auto accident(which is the employer's liability under worker's compensation law).  Her injuries required neck surgery which resulted in permanent and total disability.  She has not been able to resume work.

The District has paid over $214,000 in medical benefits, wage loss and expenses to date.  The present value of future estimated benefits exceeds $208,000. The case was settled at mediation for $145,000 (in addition to what we already paid) for all future potential amounts pending Board approval.

 The settlement will extinguish all future liabilities. We will  exceed our excess retention and expect reimbursement of approximately  $53,000.

Financial Impact:
The financial net impact to the District for this settlement is $92,200.  The source of funds is the General Fund.

For Additional Information, contact:
Joseph M. Moore (moorej@palmbeach.k12.fl.us) / Dianne L. Howard